O2 steps up broadband efforts

O2 has stepped up its efforts to get noticed in the fixed-line broadband market by publishing a study that claims to prove customers are far from happy with what rivals have to offer.

The operator launched its own broadband service in October 2007, well behind other players like Orange and Virgin. The survey, by Tickbox, polled 1,500 customers and shows a quarter of broadband users are frustrated with the speed of their broadband, according to a survey by online research company Tickbox.

Customer service was another sticking point: 20% of the sample group said they had difficulty contacting their service provider, which contributed to over half saying they lost their temper with their computers as a result of their broadband.

And one in eight respondents said they were looking to switch providers in the next three to six months.